Surviving One Bad Year (Book Review)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, New International Version, ©2011)

Most of us have learned this, over and over, in our lives.  If you read my blog regularly, you know that the last year has been full of challenges.  Because of that, I was eager to read Surviving One Bad Year, by author Nancie Carmichael.  In this book, she offers seven spiritual strategies to survive and move beyond those trials--but Surviving One Bad Year contains more than those seven strategies.

The book is divided into two parts, which contain emergency tactics (3 chapters) and continuing strategies (7 chapters), respectively.  Each chapter concludes with a related Bible reading, questions for personal reflection, and ideas for new beginnings.  Throughout the book, the author supplies the reader with encouraging Bible verses, inspirational quotes, practical help, and true stories.

I found this book easy to read, even though I'm overwhelmed and unable to focus well.  I believe this format is by design:  realizing that people in crisis are often unable to read and absorb long chapters, the author has written this book to be accessible to all.  Even when we're only able to take in small bits, we're likely to find an encouraging quote, verse, or piece of advice.

I quoted a passage from Surviving One Bad Year in one of my Thursday posts on finding rest.  I'd like to share that passage again, and also share one more passage:

There can be a higher purpose, a deeper meaning in life's twists and turns.  We don't have to know all the answers when we stand in the truth that the battle is not ours, but God's.  Letting go in the midst of a crisis is completely opposite of what we want to do, but doing so is our only true hope for victory. (page 21)

Perhaps there is something in your life now that is a struggle for you--even though you know you are where you should be--and you are tempted to give up. ... [The] battle is won not so much in blinding moments of truth as in hanging in there when the going is tough.  Don't give up!  If you are following the Lord, your path will ultimately lead you to a beautiful place.  Meanwhile, keep going.  Open your eyes to His presence in the midst of your struggle and stay the course. (page 135)

Book information:

• Title:  Surviving One Bad Year:  7 Spiritual Strategies to Lead You to a New Beginning
• Author:  Nancie Carmichael
• Paperback: 199 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (October 27, 2009)
• ISBN-13: 978-1439103241
• Publisher price:  $14.99 (U.S.)

Links for more information:

• Nancie Carmichael website
• Surviving One Bad Year website
• Surviving One Bad Year: 7 Spiritual Strategies to Lead You to a New Beginning on Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Disclosure: I received this book, at no cost to me, for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions in this post are my own. Thanks to Bring It On! Communications for the opportunity. This post contains affiliate links: if you click through my Amazon.com link and complete a purchase, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my reading habit!

Surviving One Bad Year Book Review

Surviving One Bad Year Book Review

This past year of my life has brought me a lot of wonderful blessings, and I try to appreciate all that I have everyday. I know that any time, some or all of these blessings could be taken away.

Surviving One Bad Year by Nancie Carmichael is a fabulous book to help those of you who are experiencing or have experienced loss or hardship. Part 1 of the book offers emergency tactics to help you keep your head above water when a huge wave of pain threatens to pull you under. Part 2 reveals seven strategies to help you navigate the stormy waters and make it safely to a peaceful shore. I really loved all the Bible passages that she included throughout the book. She kept God's gifts of peace, love and joy at the heart of this book, and that is why I think it is such an inspiring and helpful book.

As I read this book, I became more and more thankful for the blessings I have. I got a little window into the lives of those suffering tremendous hardships, and I will be just that much more equipped to help my friends and family in their times of struggle.

I really appreciated that the author herself went through a tough year with her daughter's unexpected pregnancy. Throughout the book, she kept referring to her own difficulties and how they coped. She also shares many other heart-wrenching stories of loss that will either make you feel grateful for what you have or will be relatable to those who are suffering now.

There is a family friend of ours whose wife died quite quickly of cancer just a couple of months ago, and it hurts my heart to see him and know he is feeling such pain everyday. As I read this book, I couldn't stop thinking that I had to give it to him as soon as I was done. I think that this book is perfect for someone going through loss, because it gives the guidance and hope they need in a time of feeling lost and alone.

If you are going through a tough time or know someone who is, please read and recommend this book. I know you will be comforted by it. You can read more and purchase this book here.

Book Review: Surviving One Bad Year by Nancie Carmichael

Book Review: Surviving One Bad Year by Nancie Carmichael

14jan2011Posted by Michelle

I have to admit that when I saw Surviving One Bad Year – Spiritual Strategies for when Life Goes Terribly Wrong by Nancie Carmichael, I felt that it was not something that I can relate to. The reason for this being that I did not think that I had a bad year. When I picked it up to read it, I couldn’t believe how wrong my first impression of Surviving One Bad Year has been.

This book is made up of two sections. The first section deals with the immediate actions the author suggests you take when you go through a really bad situation such as a death in the family, or a traumatizing experience. The second section deals with what you can do to help yourself through a hard time for the long term. This addresses the problems we face that go on for years and years. 

Author Nancie Carmichael writes compassionately about this subject, pulling from her own family experiences of grief, troubled emotions, losing a loved one to adoption. It is interspersed with stories of other people who have gone through some severe life problems and got through it.

MY THOUGHTS

I have not regretted that I started reading this book. It was not until I started reading it that I realized that I did go through some really bad times in the past that I probably had not processed enough. I found myself in tears many times as I read. Mrs. Carmichael is encouraging, her suggestions are Biblically correct and practical. She constantly leads you in finding the Lord in those hard times. I think the most important thing that I got from reading this book is to decide to keep on with your life. That even the most difficult of circumstances need not overcome us, but with the help of God, the support of others, and a lot of prayers, we can make it through.

Note: I have been given a free copy of this book by Bring It On! Communications in exchange for my honest review. All opinions herein are mine. I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this review. However, there are affiliate links within the post. Should you decide to purchase this item through my link, my family will be blessed with a percentage of that purchase. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Reviews for Bring It On! Communications


I got an email from Arielle at Bring It On Communications asking if I would review some of their available books. I was so excited to see a few titles catch my eye and know that I would get to read them!

I LOVE Sheri Rose Shepherd and my girls and I have truly enjoyed reading her devotional for girls together. (thanks, Stacey!) Bring It On Communications had another of Sheri Rose Shepherd's books for review and I knew I had to choose it!

Fit for my King is a devotional style, 1 month book with recipes, scripture, prayers, and challenges for us as women. Sheri shares her story through heartwarming stories and deep treasures of truth. I've read through many of the daily readings and I'm challenged to take a month and live out the 30-day journey she writes about in this book! The recipes are simple and use everyday healthy ingredients. Many of them gluten free! I will be using some of them for sure.

I specifically like how Sheri talks about reasons we eat, discouragment or guilt or depression. She shows us through her personal journey and through God's Word how we can allow God to heal those hurt areas of our lives and ask Him to help us be fit for Him mentally, spiritually and physically. "It's time to become the best version of you! God loves you and will be with you every step of the way!"

I also chose Surviving One Bad Year by Nancie Carmichael. I was really excited about this book because theyear 2010 has been one of struggle and difficulty for me. Many changes in my health, eating habits and even in how I think about health and food have left me clinging to God and asking Him for strength. 

As I've read this book, I have found encouragement, help and inspiration. The back of the book says, "When difficult times come - and they come to us all - it helps to know that you are not alone, that you will survive, and that there will be an end to your crisis." The pages of this book are filled with encouraging Bible verses and inspirational quotes along with practical help and biblical teachings. I am thankful for this book and I am going to read it a second time, maybe even a third time. 

It's just been that kind of year... God is so faithful to send encouragement when we need it!